Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three most famous festivals, alongside Gion Matsuri in July and Jidai Matsuri in October. Held annually on May 15, the festival is known for its elegant procession, in which over 500 participants dressed in the aristocratic attire of the Heian Period (794–1185) parade through the city from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines: Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine.

The procession departs from the southern gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 AM and proceeds across the city to Shimogamo Shrine, arriving at approximately 11:40 AM. After ceremonies are held within the shrine grounds, the procession continues toward Kamigamo Shrine, where the head of the parade is expected to arrive around 3:30 PM. Passing the entire procession takes approximately one hour.

Access from Hotel Rings Kyoto:
→ Kyoto Imperial Palace: approximately 20 minutes on foot
→ Shimogamo Shrine: take bus number. 205 or 4 from “Kawaramachi Sanjo” to “Shin-Aoibashi”
→ Kamigamo Shrine: take bus number 46 from “Shijo Takakura” to “Kamigamo Jinja-mae”

※ Please note that event details may be subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
※ Traffic restrictions will be in effect on the day of the festival. Please allow extra time for travel.

We hope you will take this opportunity to experience one of Kyoto’s most beautiful traditional festivals and enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital through the graceful Heian-period procession.